“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” – Romans 13:1
Bible Verses About Disobeying Authority
Proverbs 21:15 – God finds joy in justice.
“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” – Proverbs 21:15
1 Peter 2:13-14 – Submit to authority for God’s sake.
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him.” – 1 Peter 2:13-14
Acts 5:29 – Obey God rather than men.
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29
Romans 13:2 – Resistance is against God’s decree.
“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” – Romans 13:2
Hebrews 13:17 – Submit to your leaders.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” – Hebrews 13:17
Matthew 22:21 – Render unto Caesar.
“They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Exodus 20:12 – Honor your parents.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” – Exodus 20:12
Jeremiah 22:3 – Do justice and show mercy.
“Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3
Daniel 3:16-18 – Standing up against unlawful orders.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” – Daniel 3:16-18
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Praying for authorities.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Titus 3:1 – Be subject to rulers and authority.
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” – Titus 3:1
1 Samuel 15:22-23 – Obedience is better than sacrifice.
“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” – 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others well.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
James 4:7 – Submit to God, resist the devil.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Colossians 3:22 – Serve with sincerity of heart.
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” – Colossians 3:22
Proverbs 30:17 – Justice against disobedience.
“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” – Proverbs 30:17
Proverbs 12:15 – The wise listens.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” – Proverbs 12:15
Romans 13:5 – Conscience and obedience.
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” – Romans 13:5
Ephesians 6:1-3 – Children obey your parents.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” – Ephesians 6:1-3
Proverbs 19:26 – Treat your parents well.
“He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.” – Proverbs 19:26
Acts 4:19 – Speak the truth.
“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.” – Acts 4:19
1 Timothy 6:1 – Respect for masters.
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” – 1 Timothy 6:1
Jeremiah 29:7 – Pray for the city’s peace.
“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” – Jeremiah 29:7
1 Kings 18:21 – Choose whom you will serve.
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” – 1 Kings 18:21
Galatians 5:1 – Stand firm in your freedom.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1
Mark 10:44-45 – Servitude to others.
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:44-45
Matthew 23:11 – The greatest shall be a servant.
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
Proverbs 22:6 – Teach the children.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Final Thoughts
In exploring Bible verses about disobeying authority, we see how God’s word emphasizes respect and obedience while acknowledging that ultimately, our loyalty should always be to God first. It’s a balance of fulfilling our duties as citizens and honoring Him. When authority conflicts with our faith, we must choose God’s will, as seen in the example of the apostles. Obeying the Lord is essential, and at times, it means standing firm in our beliefs against earthly powers.
Finding wisdom in these scriptures helps us navigate relationships with those in authority while respecting God’s higher calling. As we reflect on our duty to honor both our leaders and the Lord, let’s encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith and love.
Feel free to explore more topics, such as leading others to Christ or Bible verses about obedience. Each topic can provide insights into how we interact within our communities and our responsibilities as believers.